At the age of sixteen years old,
Efrain signed up to play for the Cardenales de Lara
of the Liga
Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional
(Venezuela Professional Baseball League). On Efrain's team were future Major
League Baseball players:
Marcos Scutaro (2012 - Colorado Rockies), Luis Sojo (New York
Yankees), Tony Castillo (Toronto Blue Jays), Robert Perez
(Toronto Blue Jays), Kelvim Escobar (Toronto Blue Jays).

From 1989 through 1992 Efrain
awaited for visa approval to enter the United States to play
baseball however in the 90's their was a limit to the number of
visas granted per year for all MLB affiliated baseball players
from South America. As a result, after four years of waiting, in
1992, the Toronto Blue Jays released him from his contract. From
1992 through 1995 Efrain continued to play in the in Venezuela
Professional Baseball League and appeared in two international
tournaments representing Venezuela in Aruba & Cuba. In 1995 the
Toronto Blue Jays offered Efrain a new contract but he declined
to sign so he could move his family to Canada.

NDG BASEBALL
PHOTOS - 2011

Efrain watching the
action

Efrain giving the boys one last inspirational speech
before the big game